Air Tightness Testing Services for London & the UK
APT Sound Testing offers comprehensive Air Tightness Testing services across the entire United Kingdom. Our expertise extends to conducting air tests on a wide range of projects, from individual residences to large-scale commercial structures. As a distinguished company, we hold UKAS accreditation for both Air and Sound testing, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations and Standards.

This unique accreditation allows us to efficiently perform Air, Sound, and Vent Testing Packages during a single visit, delivering cost savings and enhanced on-site coordination for our clients. Notably, we handle all aspects of our work without subcontracting.

Attaining Satisfactory Air Tightness Testing Levels
The legal mandate for air testing to attain satisfactory air tightness levels was established in 2006 in England and Wales, under Building Regulations Part L. This requirement has grown in significance as it contributes to creating environmentally-friendly buildings by minimizing carbon emissions through the prevention of energy wastage caused by air leakage. Building Regulation Part L defines ‘air leakage’ as the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in a building’s structure, commonly recognized by the public as draughts.

Energy loss through a building’s fabric is referred to as the building emission rate. New projects must meet specific air testing and emission rate requirements. The typical target for a standard dwelling is 5.0m3/hr/m2, while commercial buildings often aim for a lower target of around 3.0m3/hr/m2.

Air infiltration and exfiltration are interconnected processes within a building. Infiltration during summer introduces humid outdoor air, while winter exfiltration may lead to moist indoor air causing condensation, mould, or rot, posing potential damage to the property.

We provide air tightness consultancy and design reviews to support our clients from the project’s design phase to pre-completion air testing for building control signoff. For added flexibility, we offer ‘out of hours testing’ on Saturdays or Sundays to minimize the impact on regular working hours.

Our combined air and sound testing packages offer significant cost savings. Our multi-skilled engineers, accredited by UKAS for both Air and Sound Testing, facilitate a streamlined ‘3 step’ precompletion package, eliminating the need for multiple companies. On-site coordination is improved with both tests conducted on the same day in a planned and methodical manner. Out-of-hours testing is also available upon request to minimize disruptions during standard working hours.

Contact APT Air Tightness Testing Services
For expert advice on achieving required emission rates for air testing, contact our knowledgeable team of air tightness consultants. Reach out via the contact form on our website or call our offices now on 01525 303905 to discuss your specific air testing requirements in a friendly and informative manner.

APT Sound Testing have a large amount of experience in understanding the requirements of Approved Document L, along with extensive experience of carrying out thousands of successful air tightness tests on a wide range of developments across London and the UK.

In order to achieve the required air tightness target (which is getting lower all the time) and to avoid the risk of a failed air tightness test, we strongly recommend that early consideration is given to the design of the air leakage line within your project.

By working with our customers throughout their design and construction stages, we can provide advice and guidance on the most feasible ways to avoid air leakage and attain compliance for the air tightness test. Please download our air tightness checklist to help you prepare for your test.